Harold Rehmer

Harold Rehmer, age 83, died on March 20, 2012 after a 7 year battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Harold was born in Plentywood, Montana, the only child of Arthur and Anna Rehmer. He was raised on the family farm, attended a rural one-room school and graduated from Plentywood High School in 1947. He attended Valparaiso University for two years prior to enlisting in the US Air Force, In 1952 he married Charlotte Gaines of Plentywood.

After completing his military service he attended Minot State University and received a Bachelorʼs degree in Business, then moved back to Outlook for his first teaching position at Outlook High School. He went on to complete his Masterʼs degree in School Administration at the University of Montana and was the Superintendent of Jefferson County High school for 5 years before moving to the state capitol in Helena Montana working 11 years in the office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction.   As Deputy Superintendent he was in charge of the new driver training program much to the dismay of his then teenage daughters who were bombarded with defensive driving lessons every time they backed out of the driveway.

From Montana, Harold and Charlotte moved to Washington State in 1976 where he worked for school districts in Poulsbo and Kirkland. He retired in 1990 after 30 years of educational service. He continued as a consultant for several years for other school districts in planning and building new schools.

Harold was an active member of the Lutheran church. He served as a humble servant in every capacity from president of the congregation to counting money in his retirement. His faith sustained him to the end.

Harold had a quick wit and a smile for everyone. As a “handy man” he could repair almost anything and his children often had a to-do list for his many visits. He bragged that he had built ten decks. He loved the outdoors especially summer boating on the Missouri River and snow skiing in Montana and Washington. After retirement, Harold and Charlotte along with their many friends traveled extensively in the US and abroad. He loved to golf and play bridge, and have coffee with the boys. He was adored by his eight grandchildren.

Harold is survived by his wife, Charlotte, four children, Nina (Phil) Sjoding, Lois Craig, Gail (Ron) Klemencic and Bart (Mary) Rehmer and 8 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 411 156th Ave NE,

Bellevue, WA on April 20, 2012 at 11:00 AM.

Gifts of remembrance may be sent to the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis, 10866 W. Washington Blvd #343, Culver City, CA  90232-3610 or the Garden of Remembrance at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 411 156^th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98007.